Birthquake, Daniel Francis Doyle @ Kilby

I admit I was here for one thing only: to satisfy my new obsession with Birthquake. Daniel Francis Doyle was going to be something new, and hopefully good, but he was a mere afterthought to my Birthquake-focused brain. Opening band Wyld Wyzrdz was very loud, to the point I had to go outside, and that’s like giving a chocolatier a candy bar and having her say it’s too sweet. From outside, the repetitive beat shook the Kilby shack and there were few changes to differentiate each song. So outside I stayed meeting new people.

Daniel Francis Doyle came on next. Touring to promote his recent release We Bet Our Money On You, he seemed excited for the show. After some thought the band changed the line-up to ensure the crowd would stick around, since most happened to be there for Birthquake.

Doyle started strumming and banging the guitar strings bringing distortion and chaos. At first I thought all right, avant-garde it is, but then he started looping each piece through a Line 6 green loop station. Here is a man able to create awesome music live. Instead of pre-recording the guitar he played the bits through the loop station, stopped, then introduced the song. Bringing it all together as he sat down to the drums and stomped the looped guitar bits on and off with his socked left foot. The drums countered the distortion, and he sang through a microphone headset. This inevitably made me think of Brittney Spears and people trying to dance choreographed hip-hop moves to Doyle’s jarring music. The best part was seeing Doyle put forth all his energy. Sometimes bands get discouraged when there’s a small crowd, but the heavy breathing in between songs, though a little creepy, was an assurance he was doing his best.

Birthquake was as next and, as always, fantastic. They started with one of my favorites- so far- “Marshmallow Mt. Men.” They had a few new pieces worked in there, and with each song the set grew better and better. Every yell, squeal, and coach whistle blow, brought happy-go-grins on each of their faces, as well as the crowds.

In my mind I feel this show should have been one that sold out, or at least filled the front row with a crowd bouncing back in forth, while clapping, and yelling along. Though I appreciate knowing I got to share in this experience of amazing talent, I feel a little sad for all those out there who missed out.